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$26.5M Fort Erie budget ready for approval

Fort Erie councillors have endorsed its $26.5-million general levy budget — a prudent and responsible spending plan, according to Mayor Wayne Redekop.

Local politicians approved a report from staff on Wednesday night outlining more than $26,520.837 in costs, along with a supplementary budget of more than $633,000 for a number of projects.

If approved through bylaw by council in the coming weeks, the median household will see a total increase of 1.12 per cent on their tax bill compared to 2017, which equates to about $40.

The town portion, not coupled with Niagara Region’s tax impact, reflects a 3.15 per cent increase.

Council will set aside $385,000 into capital reserves to invest in infrastructure, contribute $300,000 to the Region for long-term care, fund Fort Erie Public Library with $1.47 million and top off the town’s economic development and tourism corporation with a total of $730,000.

The municipality will also hire a new bylaw officer for $42,600, combat the emerald ash borer with $400,000 and spend $75,000 on an industrial land strategy.

The three business improvement areas in Fort Erie will each get a share of $91,000 through this year’s budget process.

The only change to the staff-recommended budget made by council came from a recommendation made by Mayor Wayne Redekop, to direct staff to increase its projection of $889,000 in revenue from planning and development user fees by another $200,000.

Redekop said investing in roads and sewers is extremely important for the future of the community and its residents — but also to compete with other municipalities in attracting new people and development.

Council considered not adding $250,000 into a reserve for strategic investment into infrastructure but decided to follow through on staff’s recommendation.

“It’s a serious, long-term commitment and we don’t want to lose momentum,” said Redekop.

Redekop also feels Fort Erie is ahead of the game against the emerald ash borer, putting the new $400,000 on top of $600,000 spent over the past two years into the 2018 budget.

“We’re on target with that,” said Redekop.

The mayor said he is “extremely pleased” with the finance team at town hall for its hard work on a budget that addresses some of the realities in Fort Erie but also the responsibilities the local government has in looking ahead to the future.

A bylaw will be brought to council on Feb. 12 to officially approve the budget.